Rep. Lindsay James: Parents should have the freedom to take care of their children without the fear of going broke
A new research report details the thousands of dollars that parents in Iowa would save if the Biden administration’s Build Back Better proposal becomes law. The report, released by the national think tank Third Way, calculates the benefits of the child tax credit, child care cost caps, health insurance cost caps, as well as expanding Medicaid, which has already occurred in Iowa.
The report is entitled What Build Back Better Means for Families in Every State, and can be read online here. The report finds that because of Build Back Better:
- Married parents with a median income would save $6,900
- Married parents with 50% of a median income would save $14,050
- A single parent with a median income would save $13,850
- A single parent with 50% of a median income would save $14,850
Despite the benefits of Build Back Better and the rising costs due to severe corporate price hikes, Rep. Cindy Axne was the only member of Iowa’s house delegation to vote in favor. The proposal now awaits action in the U.S. Senate, where Senators Grassley and Ernst have signaled their opposition, despite Iowa families struggling to get by due to rising costs from corporations hiking their prices during a global pandemic.
“The child tax credit is a welcome relief to every parent I’ve spoken with,” said Iowa State Representative Lindsay James (D-Dubuque). “Families should be able to have the freedom to take care of their children and go to the doctor without the fear of going broke. This report underscores how much support Iowans would receive if Build Back Better is passed, and I hope it moves swiftly through the Senate.”
“Working families are doing all they can to make ends meet, and Build Back Better will help have their back,” said Matt Sinovic, executive director of Progress Iowa. “Every parent should have the freedom to not only have a job, but to earn a living that will allow them to spend time with their kids and be parents.”
